CARLOS QUEIROZ
You were born in Nampula, Mozambique. How did that influence your life?
Very much. I can define myself as an African white boy, which is a little different from some white people who like to live in Africa. I was lucky to be born in that environment. I watched Portuguese and African players playing and working together – that combination is probably the genetic roots of Brazilian and South American football.
What limitations and difficulties do you face in coaching Iran?
One of the main problems is that we lack international experience and international exposure. Not many Iranian players have the opportunity to play international football. In the last few years we have been fighting for the opportunity to have more money and investment, international camps and international games. That’s what we need.
In the past you have threatened multiple times to resign. What has made you stay?
First of all, the players. Secondly, the players. And thirdly, the players. I have a lot of respect for the Iranian fans and the players represent the fans and the country, but I fell in love with the commitment, passion and attitude of the Iranian players. At this moment, I have 35 to 36 years of my international career behind me – from Japan to the United States, from South Africa to England – but I have never seen and
worked with players who deliver so much and get so little.
You live in Tehran. How do you feel about the domestic league?
I am very concerned about the domestic league in Iran, and in general about the domestic leagues in Asia. The competitive level of football in Iran, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates is way off from Europe and the main stages of the game. You won’t go anywhere with the current organisation and in that competitive environment, no matter how many good coaches you have.
From the start you scouted the Iranian diaspora very intensively...
I told the federation from the start that in my selection matrix there is no colour and no religion, but just a single guideline: if you are Iranian and a good player then you will have a good chance to play in the national team. I was born in a football family and not in a racist environment. My religion is football. My culture and life are football. The national team is a house with open doors and no windows. Those who merit it can stay and the ones without merit must be replaced.
This Iranian squad is younger than the 2014 squad. How do they compare?
Iran is the sixth or fifth youngest team at the World Cup. The team in Brazil was mature, experienced and cool. This team is more electric, enthusiastic and risky. They are also great fighters. The difference is that the team in Brazil was smart. The current kids are very bold and riskier. They don’t care if they play Qatar, Japan or Russia tomorrow – in a good way. They don’t respect [opponents] because they are young, fresh and enthusiastic.
Who are the favourites in Russia?
My feeling is that the world champions will, as always, be one of the ‘big sharks.’ Who are the big sharks? Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Spain, France. As European Champions, we have to add Portugal, a serious candidate.